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    Pope Francis approves Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, but not for marriage

    In a major development, the Vatican said priests may bless same-sex couples in informal settings, such as a meeting or visit to a shrine, so long as the blessing does not appear to endorse a marriage.
    by Becky Sullivan Dec 18, 2023 2 minutes
    Pope Francis has approved some Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, so long as priests avoid confusion with marriage blessings.

    Pope Francis has granted his formal approval allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples so long as they do not appear to endorse their marriage, marking the church's most permissive decree yet on the issue of same-sex couples.

    , published Monday in a new document titled ": On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings," about same-sex couples. Monday's document was approved by Pope Francis.

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